With days shorter and less sunshine, SaskPower is attempting to help residents save some money and reduce their power usage during the cold winter months. 

“Demand for power is highest during the cold and dark winter months, and we’re continuing to see increases in power usage on a yearly basis,” said Debbie Nielsen, SaskPower Director of Customer Strategy and Programs in a written release on Tuesday. “Making the right choices in appliance use, heating, lighting and other day-to-day activities can add up to a big difference in energy demand – and your power bill.”

SaskPower detailed a handful of helpful tips for residents in their release as well.

Here are 5 power-saving tips to lower your power bill this winter:

1. Large appliances account for about 35 percent of the power use in your home. Look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol when buying new appliances. Always wash full loads of laundry, don’t over-dry your clothes, and avoid opening the oven while cooking. Using smaller appliances for cooking such as a slow-cooker or a microwave or a toaster oven can help save energy.  

2. Cooling and heating represent about 22 percent of residential power bills. Changing the temperature of your home by even a few degrees can make a big difference. For every degree you lower your thermostat overnight for an eight-hour period, you can save up to two percent on your heating costs. When used properly, a programmable thermostat can save a significant amount in energy costs.

3. Electronic devices account for about 19 percent of your home’s electricity costs. Turn off your devices when they are not in use, and consider LED technology for your TVs and monitors. Laptops use up to 90 percent less electricity per year than desktop computers, so consider making the switch.

4. Lighting accounts for about 17 percent of your home electricity costs. LED bulbs use 80 percent less electricity and last up to 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

5. It’s a good idea to plug in your vehicle when the temperature drops below –15 C, but your vehicle only needs to be plugged in for four hours. Install a timer on your vehicle's block heater to save about $30 a year. Using the timer for one month will pay for itself. 

The crown corporation is also sharing that with each winter we set a power usage record, noting that on December 29th, 2017 a new record was recorded at 3,792 megawatts.